Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Member Spotlight: are-you-with-me

Today's member spotlight is on are-you-with-me. A student from London, are-you-with-me has been a Polyvore member for 2 years, and she love, love, loves ice cream. You might have noticed her sets appearing in top sets, her friendly comments or likes from her ice cream cone buddy icon. Check out some of her sets.

Tell us your name, age, profession and what you typically wear every day.

I'm 18, just a normal fashion-crazy girl from London. I'm also a student, so I would describe my everyday style as casual and chic. I'm not exactly big on bold colours. I adore softer shades and styles. There's nothing wrong with a bit of colour, but since I'm a little shy, I hate it when all eyes are on me. Standing out in a crowd is not my kinda thing. I'm a little obsessed with shorts, and now that it's summer I can't get enough of them! I'm quite big on boots and leather jackets. Can't go anywhere with out them. Also a big fan of jewellery, especially rings and bracelets.

Where do you live, and what trends are big there?

I'm from a small town in London, England and what I love most about it is the multi-cultural community I grew up in. So I see different styles on the street all the time. It's so interesting to experience the individuality of each outfit. The streets where I live are where most of my inspiration comes from, along with the feelings and emotions stemming from the British weather. Known for its rainy days, British streets show a lot of boots - ankle and long boots. Also a lot of Macs and umbrellas are on the streets. Now that it's summer, people often where a lot of pretty skirts and light colours.

What is your favorite brand/designer? What do like about that brand?

Oh I have way too many. I absolutely love and adore Alexander McQueen's designs. Love how edgy, yet incredibly classy his work is. And I have to admit I just love every single one of his clutches. Elie Saab, the gowns are just pure perfection and so elegant and sweet--ahh like the dresses princesses where in fairy-tales!! Would love to own one, but have you seen the price tag?!! Love Alexander Wang. His designs are amazing, so different and cool. I love Marchesa for the elegance and subtle glamour in each of their designs. Other favorites of mine include Chrisitan Louboutin. Ohh his heels are fantastic! What I'd kill for just a pair! I adore Chloe for their bags, just so fantastic, especially if styling a casual look!! I love EVERYTHING about Lanvin especially their jewllery, it's so pretty! Love MIU MIU for their sweet girly designs and shoes!! Another favorite brand of mine is YSL - I love their makeup range (especially their lipsticks), shoes and bags.

Which celebrity has great style? What do you like about their style?

Hmm, Kim Kardashian - love her or hate her I think she is always dressed so chicly, and her hair and makeup are always so flawless. I also love Sienna Miller's, Miley Cyrus' and Nicole Richie's style since they all have little boho-chic thing going on. I love the way Miley incorporates a lot of leather jackets and boots, giving her this overall edgy look which is the kinda thing I love to wear. Love Emma Watson's style: so girly and fun but a little different. I think Blake Lively always looks perfect whether she's out on the street or on the red carpet. She's always so comfortable and confident, which are the two main things I admire about her style. Also, her hair always looks so effortlessly flawless. Has anyone else noticed? Miranda Kerr and Candice Swanepoel are two of my favorite models. Just adore their styles, and I wouldn't mind having their figures either. If only I could give up the ice-cream... hehe :)

What are your personal aspirations/goals?

I want to do something excitingly adventurous and fun with my life, something that'll make me never regret the mistakes I'll most probably make along the way and something that'll make me smile when I look back at the way my life turned out. Only I just haven't quite figured out exactly how to do that yet. Time's running out, I know, so for a backup plan I am currently studying English Literature, which I will most definitely take further. I don't like reading, and that may seem a little weird for someone taking Eng Lit, but I just adore creative, imaginary worlds behind the word. Places that only exist in your head... So, yeah, if you haven't guessed already, I'm bit of a day dreamer, but don't get noticed too easily.

How has Polyvore affected your life?

It has affected my life heavily (in a good way). It's the place where I'm allowed to live out my fashion dreams without people judging my face and character. For all the general feedback that I receive, I am truly grateful. I got addicted to it after I published a couple of my sets. It took me a while to get the hang of it because I just couldn't believe how creatively free and unrestricted it actually was. At first I thought it was only used for fashion collaborations, but as soon as I saw some of the incredible artwork and super-fun dolls that my fellow members had created I realized just how beautiful this place really is. I never imagined it to be as special as it is to me right now.

How would you describe your set style?

Right... umm, it actually depends on what is going through my head at the moment I create them. So if I'm feeling a bit down and it's raining outside, I'm most likely indoors sitting on my computer, with a tub of ice-cream, and pouring everything into a set. Haha .. that sounds a little weird, but all my sets feature things I'd actually wear or would love to own in real life. I don't think my style is that different or as creative and original as half of the members on Polyvore, so I'm so grateful to all of those who take time out to see my page. I truly appreciate it.

How often do you sign on and what is the first thing you do when you sign on?

Well, since I share my computer, I can't always leave myself signed on, so I'm constantly signing in and out the whole day. But, if I had it my way, I'd probably sign in and never sign out! The first thing I like to do as soon as I sign in is check out the amazing new sets of all those I'm following. It's such a fun and inspirational way to start my day. I also love reading the feedback I get. It keeps me smiling. It always amazes me how sweet and supportive the Polyvore community really is.

What is your favorite Polyvore feature?

My favorite Polyvore feature, as simple as it may be, is the 'post comment' button. As much as I like receiving feedback, I think it's important for me to support my fellow Polyvorians and I think commenting on sets is the best way because it allows me to say exactly what I love about their work, though sometimes I don't have enough time to do so.

Describe your personal sense of style.

I love mixing up different styles, like pairing a pretty girly dress with a pair of biker boots. However, being comfortable in what I wear is just as important for me, so I tend to stick to things that are casually chic and comfortable to put on. I love loose, oversized jumpers, cardigans, leather jackets, big scarves, brogues, clutches, studded/military boots, rings, maxi dresses, ballet flats oh ... and loads more things that I can't seem to think of right now.

I'm so happy to see you featured here, sweetheart!What a joy to read more about you and your life and style. You came across just as natural and sweet, as I always thought you were, from your lovely comments.

I am so happy to see this member in the spotlight..that little ice cream cone icon is everywhere on Polyvore enjoying sets....even when I do not get around to enjoying her sets for a while, she still enjoys mine.@are-you-with-me is a most wonderful Polyvore member

Happy to see you featured here - a well-deserved honour! Not only are you talented, but you are loyal in visiting your friends' sets, and leaving positive feedback. I am glad to have learned a little more about you!

No one deserves this more than u!! Ever since i first started making sets,u have been here to like my sets,and continues to support me everyday!!U have some of the most beautiful sets on polyvore. U inspire me everyday to continue on the polyvore train.......choo choo!! lol....We have polyvore friends,and polyvore family......u feel more like family b cuz ur presence on my sets,and comments continue everyday!!Thanks so much 4 being u, which is a inspiration!!

gosh i feel so selfish and unappreciative compared to are-you-with-me. she seriously comments back on everyone's comments and is so bubbly and happy and outgoing. i really admire her for that and know exactly why she is so popular, for her sense of fashion but also her supportiveness of everyone. arghhh i need to be more like her

I loved reading this interveiw! It was inspiring in ways and i just enjoyed it so much! i love her sets and i appreciate her liking my sets and taking the time to look at my page. She is an amazing, inspiring lady.

This was my first time reading the polyvore blog and I found another New person to follow! I love your work and wonderful interview. Thank you for your art! Congratulations and I look forward to following you - you're terrific!

Woah, I loved reading your interview and I love all of your sets on polyvore! You are a real designer/artist and you are very creative by what I can see from your sets. I swear that you can make anything look great in sets and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations! :)